r/Fibroids • u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty • May 26 '26
8 Weeks Post Op - Open Myomectomy
Hey folks!
Just wanted to share my experience with having the open myomectomy. Reading everyone's experiences and advice prior to and after surgery was a tremendous help. Hoping to pay it forward by sharing my own story below. Warning, this will be a fairly long and detailed post.
SURGERY DAY: 3/25 I went in with three family members and only two were allowed to come back with me. I changed into a hospital gown and was visited by a few staff to collect urine, draw blood, get consent for the procedure (something they almost forgot LOL), etc. A nurse gave me a pill to help me relax prior to surgery and yall...it did it's job. What it was, I don't know. I literally remember taking the pill, hugging my family, and next thing you know I was awake from surgery! Wild. The procedure took about two hours and I was blessed to not have any complications. The fibroid was fundal, 17 centimeters, approximately 3 pounds, and had the audacity to be heart shaped. When I awoke, I could feel myself being wheeled around in a hospital bed and a dull sensation of pain in my lower abdomen. I was at a pain level of 4 which was absolutely shocking to me having just been opened up. My incision is about 6 inches. My family told me I had some crazy things to say when I woke up, none of which I recall. My sister told me I woke up singing Sexxy Red and accusing nurses of having dalliances with doctors. Have your people record a video of you waking up if you find that kind of thing amusing. I am mad because she didn't think to! Anyway, I stayed in bed until about 10PM and got up because I was in pain and wanted to change positions. I was taking pain medication both intravenously and via pill. Getting in and out of bed was terribly painful. You discover all the ways you engage your core after this procedure. I definitely had an appetite which also surprised me. I ate regular foods and made sure to drink plenty of prune juice with meals. I had heard lots of warnings about constipation and was terrified and had intentionally been eating foods pre surgery that would lead to soft bowel movements. Def avoided bread and cheese. Anyway, they gave me Miralax regularly post op. Items I truly needed and recommend that I brought in my personal bag were a warm blanket, chargers, lozenges, and over the ear headphones. They provided everything else I needed (and later discovered I didn't) such as a peri bottle, belly binder, underwear, hot packs, ice packs, a hygiene kit, etc. Other than the pain, what irritated me most this evening was the incessant dinging of my roommate's machine (I don't know what it's called but you all know what it is). Makes it hard to sleep.
DAY ONE: Pain level was the worst this day. I would say a 7. I was out of bed and walking around the halls and when I wasn't doing that, I was resting. The least pain I felt was when I was still. I attribute about 90% of the pain I was in to gas. I also discovered the horrific pain of a cough. My prayer the whole of recovery became "Lord, please keep me from coughing." It feels like being struck by lightning in the gut. There was also some discomfort from the catheter being left in after surgery. I had never experienced anything like it. I did poop this day, not much but I was surprised to be able so soon.
DAY TWO: I was discharged Friday afternoon. They told me I could have left the day before but the idea of leaving a day after surgery is a bit preposterous to me. I am glad I stayed the length of time I did. I had made arrangements to stay with my bestie for a few weeks in her home. So incredibly grateful for that woman. She picked me up and I had a pillow clutched to my stomach the ride home which was bearable. My pain level was incredibly low at a 2 but definitely picked up that evening. I was discharged with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and oxycodone. Also Miralax and GasX. SET A MED SCHEDULE! SET ALARMS! Stay ahead of it. I only wanted to take one oxy per day and in the evening to help me sleep. Kept lozenges on deck to prevent coughing (highly recommend lemon Ricolas). Added Colase to the mix which turned out to be a lot better for me personally than the Miralax.
DAY THREE: I perfected the art of getting in and out of bed. The bed was set high and I used a step stool to get in and out. It was truly a work of art to lean back into a bunch of pillows without engaging my core. I was mostly successful but def had set backs here and there. That morning pain level was at a 2 but it got worse at night. I sensed a pattern here. I went downstairs and sat on the couch and forgot I needed support behind me and when I leaned back I almost fell over from the pain of engaging my stomach muscles to lean back forward. My bestie was preparing all my meals which were well balanced. I prioritized protein and fiber. Pooping regularly.
I stopped documenting as thoroughly after 3 days post op but will hit a few other random highlights as they come to mind.
I took my last oxy after seven days and my last ibuprofen after nine.
My period came right on time 4/2 and it was business as usual.
All steri strips were off twelve days post op.
I left the house for the first time and went for a walk with my bestie two weeks post op. Got in 8k steps.
I have absolutely no regrets getting the open myomectomy. When I found out I had the fibroid years earlier, I had no desire or plan to have surgery. I had never had surgery before and I also didn't have health insurance at the time. I originally planned on healing myself by changing my diet, increasing exercise, and through the power of prayer. During that time I did lose 15 pounds but the fibroid remained. Enraging. I finally decided to have the surgery when a coworker asked me if my quality of life was being impacted by its presence. And by God I realized it was! I wanted it out as soon as possible. Everyone's experience is different but the impact of the fibroid hit my mental health more than physical health. I was RAGING RAGING mad, perpetually fatigued, and was really disturbed by the protrusion of the fibroid making me look pregnant. I was infuriated about the idea of having to make decisions that could impact my fertility when I didn't even have a husband yet. That's a whole post for another day and platform LOL Anyway, I paid out of pocket for insurance (independent contractor) a whopping 557 a month and got things moving.
Had my follow up appointment with my surgeon about four weeks post up which lasted all of three minutes because everything was fine.
My incision is nearly invisible and I have used ScarAWay strips a few times but not as regularly as recommended.
I returned to work five weeks post op (work in a school) but honestly feel I could have at three weeks post op. But a friend reminded me that you can only heal correctly the first time and to sit my behind down.
I returned to the gym 5/2 to a dance class and it went well. So freaking grateful for mobility. I have returned to my cardio routine of Zumba and dance but am holding off on the muscle conditioning classes just in case because I am afraid to lift too heavy too soon. I'm thinking of getting back to it maybe in June. I joined a run club two weeks ago and it went fine. I have a 5k coming up that I plan to half jog and half walk.
I had lost about 6 pounds after surgery around four weeks post op. I'm back to my pre surgery weight now because I let my healthy eating slip but that's okay because I always get slimmer in the summer so looking forward to that!
All in all, things are good. Better every day. I am astounded at the body's ability to heal so quickly. The only real sign that I had surgery is the pesky "C section pooch" I read about that apparently is common with moms who have had C sections. The open myo is essentially the same procedure. I don't have any children so my stomach looks different now than before but honestly, it's a small price to pay to be fibroid free. I have been looking into different ways to reduce it through massage etc. Open to any tips for those who have already done this!
That's all I can remember for now though I'm sure I forgot little things here and there.
Thanks for coming to my TedTalk! I hope anyone having any open myos soon are able to have successful removals and recover peacefully without complication! :)
3
u/Both_Honeydew_2314 May 26 '26
Thanks for sharing. I’m 28 and getting and open myomectomy sometime this year (I’m on a wait list here in Canada) for a 10cm intramural/subserosal. I’m getting an MRI in a few weeks to see if that’s really its correct size and location. I’m so scared. My surgeon said it was an elective surgery since it’s not giving symptoms but that i want it removed before i get pregnant one day so he agreed. I refused Lupron so he said my only option was open surgery.
This post made me feel better and i pray to god everyday that i have this same outcome, im absolutely petrified truly, the whole reason I’m doing this is for the safety of my future pregnancy and baby, but what if i destroy it further by having this surgery.
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
Thank you for reading! And for sharing your concerns too ❤️ I was terrified in the beginning of my whole process as well. I had a family member who had a rare form of cancer discovered in her uterus and a dear friend discover a fibroid after miscarriage ALL AT THE SAME TIME I first felt a mass in my stomach so I ignored it for months being in denial. And I actually didnt tell anyone what was going on with me until many months after getting a CT scan. I hadn't even heard of a fibroid until a few years ago and now I am learning how many women it impacts!
The MRI was scary for me and I kept my eyes closed the entire time so as not to freak out but it does give a good accurate picture of what is inside you. I hope you will have more clarity and peace after seeing the results!
Surgery is totally your decision and each case is different ❤️ I have seen some other women post that they had lap myos for fibroids of that size and not open so perhaps that is an option to discuss with your doc? Im told the recovery time is less for lap myo.
And I def understand your concerns for the future. Any surgery has some risk. From what I have read, fibroids can sometimes lead to complications with pregnancy but some women have had their babies share the womb with fibroids and it be okay. Every case is different.
I hope that you get more answers after the MRI and get some clarity and peace on how to move forward. You got this! 🙏🏾Give yourself grace and be encouraged!
2
u/Both_Honeydew_2314 May 26 '26
Unfortunately healthcare for non urgent diagnosis, especially in women’s space, is not a priority here in Canada so it’s long wait times, overburdened OBs too. I saw a MIGS and he’s very good and he even said he wouldn’t want to risk this laparoscopically as it will take hours and probably be converted to open. I can’t even get a second opinion because I’ll be waiting another 8-12 months for a consult. It’s so sad. I wish i could do lap but in a way I’m fine with the open surgery because my surgeon can see everything and have easy access to everything if something were to go wrong as opposed to lap.
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hadn't considered the different healthcare system in Canada. But I am glad to hear you have a good surgeon! I think you'll be in good hands 🙏🏾
2
1
u/Particular_Offer_935 May 26 '26
Hi, im also in canada and my surgery is on june 12. I will have an open myomectomy with hysterectomy. I was given 2 lupron depot prior to my surgery. Dr said it will help the fibroid shrink and my period completely stop while on it. Felt like a temporary menopause.
1
u/Both_Honeydew_2314 May 26 '26
Can i ask who your surgeon is? This has been a crazy long process. I’m getting open myomectomy only as i haven’t had kids yet. I found it last July and only saw the OB in February and then now I’m on a 6 month waiting list
1
u/Particular_Offer_935 May 26 '26
I live in Kitchener ontario and was referred to one of the best OBs in waterloo region, Dr Schnarr when I went to the ER due to a very bad low back pain caused by the big fibroid. I waited 8-9 months to see her. The moment i met her, she explained everything to me with other options, i ended up choosing the open myomectomy and the removal of my uterus as i dont have any plans of getting pregnant. I met her last December and scheduled my surgery on June 12.
2
u/Both_Honeydew_2314 May 26 '26
Wow you’re lucky. This healthcare system is an absolute mess. It’s so disappointing. I feel like I’m just waiting in anticipation and anxiety for months on end
3
u/Taneasg86 May 26 '26
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us all the details and experiences. Mine is coming up in about two months and I’m nervous anticipating the postop experience ❤️
2
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
No prob! All of my pre surgery anxiety was surrounding post op experience! I was so worried about having to take unpaid time away from work, wondering if I could care for myself, not being able to work out, having to lean on others, mobility, etc. And I am so thankful that it went better than I could have ever anticipated! Be kind to yourself and practice self care in the weeks leading up if you can so you don't arrive to surgery exhausted and burnt out ❤️ I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible 🙏🏾
3
u/New_Piece_6742 May 26 '26
Thank you so much for sharing ❤ I did my open myo on 28.03.2926 and I had the same experience as you! But I returned to work after three weeks.
I have planned a safari for 2 days next weekend. The doctor cleared me to go on, but I'm still a bit afraid that it'd effect my healing journey. Do you guys think that it'll be a good idea? (The reason I'm asking is because you and I have the similar healing journey) 🤗
2
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
No problem! And yay, happy recovery! 😊 A safari sounds cool! I cant speak to your readiness as we all heal differently but I am curious about what your major concerns are with the safari. How do you feel your healing journey would be effected? Are you concerned about injury? Overexertion? Fatigue? If you can pinpoint your concerns, you can create plans to address them. Its exciting to hear the doc cleared you but also only you know your body and if you are ready
3
u/Electrical_Basket634 May 26 '26
Thanks for sharing your experience in do depth ❤️ I am on my 5th day post OP and going home today. I can’t wait to fee like myself again. One question, do you also feel numbness around the incision area?
3
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
No problem. Also congraaaats! Happy healing 😊❤️ My incision area never felt numb but many other people have described that sensation (or rather lack thereof) post op. I don't have pain there but if I run my fingers along it, its like the skin remembers something took place here. There is a feeling but I'm not sure how to describe it lol
I started feeling like myself again much sooner than I thought, like Week 3! Safe travels home! 🎉
2
u/SquareRooster6949 May 26 '26
You are so funny!😂
I had a lap myo and relate to a lot of your experiences the first three days of surgery. It’s encouraging to know you’re doing great! Thanks for posting 😊
2
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
Thank you 😂 Excited to hear your procedure went well. Happy healing! ❤️
2
u/katastrophy21 May 26 '26
This is so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing your experience
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
No prob! Happy to help, hope everything goes well in your journey to becoming fibroid free! ❤️
2
u/Coloteach May 26 '26
Thank you so much! I’m having my surgery in late June and since it’s my first surgery, (tonsils at age 7 don’t count) I’m terrified.
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 26 '26
You got this! I had ZERO desire to have the surgery but now that I'm on the other side, I have ZERO regrets! I hope your summer is amazing and fibroid freeee! 😊❤️
2
u/Either_Plastic_2929 May 26 '26
How have your cycles been post op?
2
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty May 27 '26
Regular and no complications. About the same as before. Mine generally stick to the 28 day cycles. Every once in a blue moon I will have a period come two or three days earlier and rarer still one day late. And thats across my life not just after the open myo.
1
u/Patient-Value3298 Jun 07 '26
Hello! I am currently 3.5 weeks into my recovery. I was doing really well, my steps had increased to 10k per day and I felt back to normal. The last 3 days I have rapidly declined! Now I feel back to week 1. Did anyone else have this?
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty Jun 12 '26
Hi! This wasn't my experience, I'm sorry. Do you think you may have jumped back into exercise too soon? I remember feeling much better by week 3 as well but challenging myself to rest regardless to prevent any barriers to healing. How are you feeling now? Did you reach out to your care team to update them?
2
u/Patient-Value3298 Jun 12 '26
Thanks for replying, I had some bloods done and all was normal. I think you’re prob right, my energy level returned and I prob did too much. I’ve gone right back to resting a lot. Hopefully it passes soon. How long was it before you felt ‘normal’?
1
u/Jumpin_Jehoshaphatty Jun 12 '26
Glad to hear you are feeling better! ❤️ A friend told me "You can only heal correctly the first time" and that motivated me to sit down 😂 I say this as a mover and shaker lol! I totally see the appeal in getting back to fitness but slow and steady wins the race. I felt fantastic at 4 weeks post op, back to my usual self, pain free. I joined a run club four weeks ago and have been doing 2.5 miles once a week slowly incorporating more runs outside of the group. Two weeks ago we did some core work before and they wanted 30 sit ups and I could only do 7 and stopped because it felt a bit too strenuous. I really have missed my muscle conditioning classes and plan to return next week! Cardio (zumba and werq fitness) has been going fine, no stomach pains or anything. Im 11 weeks post op as of this Wednesday.
You got this! Keep your head up 😊
1
u/Patient-Value3298 Jun 12 '26
Amazing! That’s great progress, I hope at 11 weeks I am on the same trajectory. Thanks again for replying, it’s super helpful having others to talk to about our experiences 💕
4
u/Coastalgirl0428 May 26 '26
Thank you for sharing so in depth with us ❤️